Toastcaster Communication Leadership Learning Lab

TC183: Take Charge of your Phone's Battery, What's Killing it may Surprise You

[14:51] In this episode, GadgetGreg explores why your phone, laptop, or tablet battery seems to drain faster over time and what you can do to extend its life. Learn about the impact of charge cycles, what drains your battery the most, and practical strategies to keep your devices running longer. Plus, discover Leo, a smart charging gadget that optimizes battery health and has won a CES 2025 Innovation Award.

Topics Covered:

• Why lithium-ion batteries degrade over time

• The biggest battery-draining culprits

• Best practices for extending battery life

• Environmental factors affecting battery performance

• Introduction to Leo, the battery life extender

• Reducing e-waste with smarter charging habits

This episode originated as an article originally published by Active-Life Magazine, GadgetGreg.com and a syndicated version by Troy Media.

TC182: Preserving Memories, Enhancing Minds: The Power of Photo Reminiscence Therapy & Digitizing Tech - Rick Voight

[32:25] In this episode, we speak with Rick Voight, CEO Vivid-Pix where we dive into the concept of reminiscence therapy, focusing on photo reminiscence and its powerful role in enhancing mental well-being and how Vivid-Pix technology technology can be used to enhance that experience.

Reminiscence therapy uses personal memories to improve cognitive function and emotional health, and photo reminiscence specifically leverages cherished photographs to evoke memories and connections. 

We’ll explore how Memory Station by Vivid-Pix is a hardware/software solution that uses cutting-edge technology to support this therapeutic practice by offering advanced photo-restoration and digitization services.

Rick will walk us through how Memory Station works, explaining their innovative approach to revitalizing old photographs and capturing memories. Discover firsthand how their system make vintage photos more accessible and meaningful, contributing to improved mental health outcomes. You'll hear stories about the benefits of photo reminiscence therapy and how it helps individuals reconnect with their past.

Memory Station can be useful in several contexts:

1. Reminiscence Therapy: For individuals in therapeutic settings, especially those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s, Memory Station helps restore and digitize old photographs, making them accessible for reminiscence therapy. This can aid in memory recall, improve mood, and foster emotional connections.
2. Family Archives: Families can use Memory Station to preserve and digitize their photo collections, ensuring that important memories are not lost over time. This is valuable for creating digital family albums and sharing historical photos with future generations.
3. Historical Preservation: Memory Station can assist historians, researchers, librarians, genealogical societies and others in digitizing and preserving historical photos and documents. This helps in maintaining historical records and making them available for study and education.
4. Personal Projects: Individuals can use the services for personal projects, such as creating photo books, slideshows, or other keepsakes that feature restored family photos or significant life events.
5. Event Planning: For events like anniversaries, reunions, or memorials, Memory Station can restore and prepare old photos for display, enhancing the event’s nostalgic and emotional impact.

Memory Station comes in various configurations including free trial software.

For more details on Memory Station and to learn how technology is bridging the gap between the past and present, enhancing our connection to treasured memories visit Vivid-Pix.com or MemoryStation.com and reach out through the contact page.

You can also view the Transcript of this episode on Apple Podcasts.

 

 

TC180: Tech Leadership: Take Your Data Safety Seriously (USB)

[11:46] In this episode we change up the conversation and speak on Tech Leadership – kicking it off talking about safety. Of course, when we think of safety, the idea of personal or property typically come to mind, but not data safety – particularly with respect to USB Flash Drives, a.k.a USB sticks or Thumb drives  

The solution?

U.K.-based iStorage Ltd  seems to have come up with a solid solution. You’ll be introduced to the datAshur PRO+C, a literally indestructible and secure USB thumb drive with encryption and PIN protection that can protect our data from hackers, prying eyes and accidental destruction.
You’ll get some technical details, but also how it might fit into your personal or professional life, give you peace of mind and keep your data secure.

Find out more at iStorage https://istorage-uk.com/product/datashur-proc/

There will be a forthcoming article to be published at Troy Media, Active-Life Magazine and at Gadgetguy.Ca. The link will be posted here when it’s available.

TC178: Journey to My 1st Novel - Dealing with Dymans – Jock Mackenzie

 

[36:11] In this fun and entertaining episode, Greg speaks with first-time novelist Jock Mackenzie who shares some of his adventures and misadventures in creating, writing, publishing and then promoting his newly published crime-novel, Dealing with Dymans.

Jock shares stories and offers some insights on how the novel came to be, including the creating and naming his characters. We hear how he leveraged resources with writing groups, experiences with editors, looking for publishers and how he went about finding places to promote and sell his book beyond places like Amazon.

And of course, as a former teacher Jock wares his heart on his sleeve with some of what he had gone through and deals out tips and advice for those who might be thinking of writing a novel, but may have this fear of starting or plagued with writer's block.

Jock also introduces us to the Scattergram (see below), a pencil  and paper picture outline method he uses to organize his thoughts and prepared himself for this interview.

Jock Mackenzie is a former teacher and administrator with the Red Deer Public School Board in Alberta Canada for 31 years.  A long-time Toastmaster, Jock has enjoyed speaking at teacher conferences across Canada as well as emceeing a variety of events. 

He's also the author of a teacher reference book on essays, Essay Writing: Teaching the Basics from the Ground Up (2007), numerous magazine articles. 

More recently, Jock has self-published a crime drama, Dealing with Dymans, about a shyster jeweler who switches out real gems for fake ones. Ex-RCMP officer, Jack Schmidt, finds out and the fun begins. And you don’t know Jack Schmidt until you’ve read it. You can get it directly from Jock and find it on Amazon.

Jock also appears on  Episode 104 - 3I-Racer Technique for More Engaging Storytelling.

Jock Mackenzie can be reached by e-mail  mackenzie.jock AT gmail.com and on his blog, Teacher Man, Teacher Ms.

 

 

Toastcaster 172: Fireside Chat – A Great Alternative to a Podcast Interview – Oscar Santolalla

[32:54] In this episode, Greg speaks with Oscar Santolalla about the Fireside Chat – a great alternative to a typical Q & A style one-on-one podcast interview. Oscar introduces us to the concept, where it originated and how he successfully adapted this 90 year old delivery format to his podcasts.

You'll also hear the pros and cons of the format and what you can do if you would like to try one for yourself.

Greg's shares his first experience with a recent Fireside chat on Oscar's podcast - what he learned, what surprised him - and more.

Oscar Santolalla is an accomplished speaker, author, coach, and Sales Engineer and Trainer for Ubisecure. His mission is to help people in technology companies present better, inspire others, and sell more.

Oscar is this author of:  Rock the Tech Stage  and Create and Deliver a Killer Product Demo.  He also hosts Time to Shine, a podcast about public speaking and as his company's podcast, “Let’s Talk About Digital Identity.” 

You can find Oscar's interview on The Toastmasters Podcast about using Metaphors - to power your presentations - episode #218.

An example of a fireside chat: How to Give a Tech Talk Successfully with Greg Gazin & Heather Flanagan on Time to Shine Podcast #196.

Oscar Santolalla lives in Helsinki, Finland but is originally from Peru.

You can reach him at RockTheTechStage.com or on LinkedIn. 

 

Toastcaster 171: (Data) Backup Lessons from TV’s Sex and the City #WorldBackupDay

[12:35] Today, March 31st is #World Backup Day. This reminded this Gadget Guy of an article I was inspired to write for the Edmonton Sun 22 years ago not after watching the news or a show about Technology, but rather a TV Show about Women – specifically Bravo’s Sex and the City.

It's an update to the 2001 article with a humorous look at how I went about writing the article what transpired in Season 4 Episode 8 appropriately titled: My Motherboard, My Self, where Carrie Bradshaw - played by Sara Jessica Parker has her Mac PowerBook G3 laptops crashes and all the trials and tribulations around it including her questioning her relationship with her then boyfriend Aidan who interestingly is a PC user. 

The podcast also talks about backups and the importance of them as well a lessons Carrie learned about backups and relationships.

So do your part, take a pledge and take action on #WORLDBACKUPDAY. You can also visit WorldBackupDay.com for more info.

You can also read the updated article at Troy Media.

 

 

ToastCaster 168: Yoodli - Your AI-Powered Public Speaking Coach - Varun Puri

[27:53] In this episode Greg speaks with Varun Puri co-founder of Yoodli a web-based platform, that helps individuals practice, record, upload and store speeches or interviews and provides feedback and AI enabled analytics as well as an auto-generated transcript of the speech.

In our conversation, Varun enlightens us on a little more of what Yoodli is, why it was created it, how it was funded, how it works and why he refers to it as a “smart- mirror.” 

He gives us a few examples and explains on how Yoodli,  in real-time, provides users with personalized feedback such as filler and repeated words, body language, word pacing and more. We’ll also hear about the added bonuses like games you can play to further step-up those skills. 

We also hear a little bit about the recent partnership between Toastmasters International and Yoodli, giving Toastmasters members, at no-cost, a customized version of the Yoodli platform tailored to the Toastmasters experience including the ability to practice your Table Topics (impromptu speaking).

We’ll also hear about how you can get your analytics on your Zoom communication by inviting Yoodli to join your meeting through a pasted link or your calendar. (Public version only)

And finally Varun shares with us how the platform has helped him in fine-tuning his own communication skills.

Varun Puri, Co-Founder, Yoodli is based in Seattle, Washington and can be reached at Yoodli.ai where you can also access the public version of Yoodli.

Toastmasters members are encouraged to access the Toastmasters Yoodli by simply logging onto their accounts at Toastmasters.org/myhome. 

You can also read more about Yoodli and the partnership in Laura Mishkind's new article on Yoodli in the Toastmaster Magazine On-line.

Toastcaster 166: Is Your Sales Pitch like Playing Golf with Only a Putter?

[05:31] When you play a round of Golf, chances are that you will use more than just a putter. So why is that businesses sometimes have only one message or one sales strategy regardless of the demographic or who the potential client is?

Same goes for communicators. Some deliver the same speech verbatim regardless as to whom their audience is.

Sadly the results are not always as you think.

Listen on few a few tips - for business, not golf! :)

Image by Kevin Phillips from Pixabay

 

Toastcaster 147: Nurturing Young Minds Through Podcasting – Kevin Achtzener

[22:13] Kevin Achtzener, DTM is in the process of doing his practicum at a Spanish bilingual school to earn an after degree in Education. He had the idea to teach his students new material as part of a Spanish Language Arts curriculum by getting them to create their own podcasts.

In this episode, Kevin, a regular on ToastCaster, shared his experience as to why he chose podcasting as a teaching medium, what he was trying to accomplish, how the class took to it and how the podcasts turned out. He talks a little about the methods he used, the subjects he selected as well as what both he and his students learned from the process.

He also tells how he got our Podcast Host Greg Gazin involved by interviewing him as both a sample podcast  and as a way to share his knowledge with the students through a podcast which was to be played in the classroom.

Kevin Achtzener is from Edmonton, Canada and can be reached at VisualProductivity.net.

 

Toastcaster 145: Podcasting 101: Hosting & Interview Techniques - 2018 Live Educational [Toastmasters ]

[43:52] When I first started podcasting 15 years ago, the most frequently asked question was, ‘What’s a Podcast?” Five years ago, It was, “Why are you doing podcasts? It’s going the way of the radio, video is where it’s at. Today I’m often asked, “What are the benefits of podcasting?” And “How can I get involved? How do I get started?”

In April 2020 Apple Podcasts had over 1M podcast and over 35 million episodes. With the lockdown I’ve heard estimates ion 1.5 million and many many more episode. So Podcasting is not going away any time soon.

People do want to know more. In fact I’m questioned about podcasts and podcasting everyday.

As luck would have it, I recently came across a 2018, recording of a Podcast educational session I delivered - in a last minute request, to a group of Toastmasters which covers many of those questions and more. And while podcasting certainly continues to evolve, the information presented is still relevant today

This episode is not only for Toastmasters but for any communicator or leader who may be curious or interested in this topic.

• We’ll look at what a podcast is, what it can do for you; the benefits of podcasts from a listeners, guests and a creator’s perspective.
• You’ll hear stories along with tips and tricks in preparing, creating, hosting and moderating a podcast. 
• You’ll discover how to preparing effective questions and interviewing Techniques.
• We’ll also make reference to a number of resources, other podcasts,
• and more.

You can also download a PDF of the slides used in the presentation. http://bit.ly/gregtli2018

You may also want to check out The Toastmasters Podcast: Creating Interesting Podcast Content  (Part 1) episode #157 and (Part 2) episode #158, featuring yours truly and co-host Ryan Levesque.

I also encourage you to read, "Is there a Podcast in Your Future," feature cover story in the  Jan 2021 issue of Toastmaster Magazine. 

Look for other upcoming podcast themed episodes here at ToastCaster and the Toastmasters Podcast. 

Toastcaster 137: Discover the Future of the Future AGAIN! (FREE Summit) – Angelo Tirhas

[30:30] For Angelo Tirhas, like many around the world, everything more or less came to a dead halt when the current global crisis hit, leaving him stuck with literally nothing to do. 

Instead of wallowing in defeat asking the same questions on everyone’s mind, his professional mind kicked in realizing that he had to define the problem and find solutions.  He asked himself: “What’s the biggest problem in the world today, what are people what most scared of and can we help them?”

Of course he realized people were already overloaded with data they couldn’t make sense of and he himself didn’t have all the answers. He had an epiphany. “Let’s get all these people into one place and share what the future possibilities are and figure out what to do to survive the future. Get people asking questions in touch with those who have answers and let them have a chat with each other.

And thus Future Summits Online series was born.

In this entertaining and informative episode we learn more about Angelo’s journey, what he saw, what he heard, stories and insights and why he vetted and handpicked from over 150 speakers. You’ll also learn about his F.A.I.T.H framework (Fundamentals Awareness Implementation, Transformation and Humanity) and how it’s being incorporated into the summit – and more.

Angelo Tirhas is keynote speaker, corporate trainer and coach specializing in transformation, business and personal development, founder and host of "Future Summits Online”, the first ever Global Future Focused Online Summit Series. Angelo can  be reached on LinkedIn or via e-mail.

 

About the Future of the Future Summit (On-Line)

Date: NEW!!!  SEPTEMBER 17-22, 2020. 

Cost: FREE. Low cost VIP packages with added benefits also available.

Takeaway: Actionable information, skills, strategies and insights from 25 leading global experts, futurists, innovative thinkers and thought leaders to help you prepare, be future ready and future proof. (4 speakers/ day)

Tickets: Visit now to get more information on the Summit or to get FREE Tickets

This episode: bit.ly/toastcaster137

 

*** PLEASE NOTE: The SUMMIT has now ENDED. HOWEVER, Angelo shares some TIMELESS VALUABLE WISDOM. So please have a LISTEN. ***

 

Toastcaster 136: Why Listen to Small Business Owner’s Stories - Paul Finkelstein DTM OMGTalk

[29:33] Sometimes the best way to be a better leader and communicator is to learn from others’ stories. In this episode we hear from Paul Finkelstein who created OMGTalk, the small business owners podcast which he publishes on 5 different platforms.  

Paul tells us why he created it; how he interviews small business owners and its value to them and other small business owners. Paul also shares his own takeaways and what he has learned from the process.

I invited Paul to Toastcaster because when he asked me to be on his show OMGTalk, the four simple questions he indicated he was going to ask I found quite reflective. It forced me to think back and dig deep - which I found quite inspiring. Please have a listen to to our interview on Paul's show.

Paul Finkelstein is from Delray Beach, Florida, USA. He’s involved in the Medicare insurance industry and loves running and fundraising. He’s a Distinguished Toastmaster and is the producer of the OMGTalk Podcast. Paul can be reached on all the major platforms and at OMGTalk.com.

Toastcaster 128: The Rx for Leadership – Daniel Rex, CEO Toastmasters Intl.

[20:39] In a rare live interview opportunity, host Greg Gazin speaks with Daniel Rex, CEO, Toastmasters International during a Fall visit to District 99, Edmonton, Canada. In this episode, Dan talks about why he visited our fair city from Denver, CO and a special connection Dan has to our own Peter Kossowan, a.k.a. Mr. Toastmaster. 

We also learn a little more about Dan, what he likes to do, interesting things you may not know about him, how he discovered Toastmasters and how he’s evolved since joining the organization over 25 years ago.

As the CEO to one of the world’s largest not-for-profit communication and leadership organizations with 358K+ members worldwide, Dan shares some of his valuable leadership wisdom we can learn from. These include his thoughts on change, being a catalyst for change as well as his take on authentic leadership, and more.

Please enjoy this informative yet fun interview with Dan as a perfect close for this year and this decade.

Toastcaster 127: Caregiving - The Ultimate Leadership Role - Rick Lauber

[19:56] When we think of caregiving, leadership is not usually the first word to come to mind. But when you research what this often unexpected responsibility requires, you’ll see how it extends beyond a typical leadership role; often done over and beyond one’s day job and usually has emotions attached to it. 

In this episode Greg speaks with Rick Lauber, Author and former co-caregiver for both his aging parents. Rick shares a little of his journey and offers an honest insight as to what’s involved in really being a caregiver, what skills are needed and how it parallels with that of an organizational leader. 

Rick shares about how this decade long experience had impacted him as well as some of what he learnt about leadership and about himself as well as what strengths he never knew he had and those skills he needed to learn along the way.

The experience lead Rick to publish two best-selling guide books  – Caregiver’s Guide for Canadians and The Successful Caregiver’s Guide which we also hear a little about. Rick is from Edmonton, Canada and can be reached at RickLauber.com.

Rick also appears in Toastcaster episode #69 and is a former Toastmaster. 

 

Toastcaster 126: Amazon Fire HD 10: Big Screen on a Small Budget

[11:03] On Black Friday our minds seem to wander towards the subject of shopping and for many us, it’s the time to think about getting new gadgets for work, home or when we’re out on the road. In this episode Greg takes a look at the all-new for 2019 Amazon Fire HD 10 which he recently had the opportunity of reviewing.

You’ll hear his thoughts on the new model, some of the features, what it can be used for and how it compares to other tablets. It’s a follow up podcast for his upcoming article of the same name, which can be found at GadgetGuy.ca on Dec 1st.

Toastcaster 125: Square Wireless Payment System Helps Improve Your Cashflow

Every leader knows that cashflow is king. Very few use cheques or even carry cash these days. Enter Square a low cost secure mobile payment system. It’s an easy way for you to collect payments for products or services that’s also easy and convenient for your customers allowing them to pay by credit card, debit and other pay systems.

In this episode your host Greg Gazin has a quick look at three different options offered by Square, what they do, what they cost including their latest all-in-one Square Terminal.

The podcast is based on Greg’s two previously published articles: With Square, you too can accept wireless debit and credit card payments (Gadgetguy.ca) and It’s Hip to be Square published by Troy Media.

Toastcaster 119 - Point-and-Shoot Cameras Still Relevant in our Professional & Personal Lives

[12:22] Our smartphones have become the default goto gadget for pictures and videos as the ability to take photos have become an invaluable tool in both our personal and professional lives. 

In this episode Greg looks at why one should consider taking along a point and shoot digital camera on their next trip, to their next conference or anywhere one would need to take pictures or shoot video and the advantages to do so. We also see how far they’ve come. 

Greg offers a glimpse at the newer FujiFilm FinePix XP140 point and shoot as one example. Some of its incredible features include wireless photo transfer and even smile detection. It’s also waterproof, rustproof, shockproof, freezeproof and amazingly inexpensive.

You can find a modified print version of this article at Active-Life.ca.

Toastcaster 118 - Grace Under Pressure - A Masterclass in Public Speaking - Lisa Wentz

[31:42] In this Episode, Greg speaks with Lisa Wentz about her new book, Grace Under Pressure - A Masterclass in Public Speaking from LID Publishing. It’s part of Lisa speaking and coaching program she’s releasing to the public for the first time. It’s cleverly broken into 3 sections: What’s holding us back, Vocal Training and Delivery and contains many topics you won’t see in most books on Public Speaking including 35 in-depth exercises.

Lisa will offer some valuable advice including dealing with your inner critic before, during and after your speech as well as a few stories from her book and how some of the exercises work.

Lisa Wentz has an extensive background in psychology, professional acting training and live performance. She has a Master’s Degree in Voice and Speech studies from the UK and is the founder of the San Francisco Voice Centre and has since coached public speaking clients from 37 countries. She can be reached at LisaWentz.com. You can find her book on Amazon. 

Toastcaster 114 Crutch and Filler Words Cripple Your Message and Reduce Credibility

[11:34] Simple crutch and filler words are sabotaging your speeches and crippling your communications and you may not even realize it’s happening.

In this episode, Greg takes a look at a number of these unwanted words and why we so often use them. He identifies some famous people who are also afflicted with this habit and offers tips and techniques as to how to rid them from your vocabulary as well as where to find help to do so. This is an updated version and reboot of Toastcaster Episode 42 and an article which can be found at GadgetGreg.com.    (Please Note:  The Ummo App mentioned in the episode is now no longer being supported by the developer)

 

Toastcaster 113 Top 3 Pro Tips for a Virtual Stage & Presenting On-Line

[15:22] The right stage presence can make or break a performance regardless of whatever words that may be coming out of your mouth. But what about an off-stage presence, that virtual presence, those times when you’re giving a presentation on-line, a webinar, doing an interview or recording a podcast anytime you’re in front of a computer screen?

In this episode, Greg, a.k.a The Gadget Guy offers an extended look at three pro tips and one bonus tip and things to consider when you’re presenting in a virtual world, things that may differ from when you are presenting on a traditional stage. This can help you take your next delivery from good to great.

Photo Courtesy Zoom.